Numerology

Why does it get such a bad rap as a magickal tool? Are there too many methods? Does it suffer from New Age makeshitupitis?  There are so many systems to choose from and they rarely agree on meaning. There's Chaldean, Pythagorean, Vedic, Qabala, Chinese... Weee!

I've always favored Chaldean with Pythagorean as a cose second. After all, the guy has a mathematical theory named after him. Then again, he is purported to have been killed because he wouldn't run through a field of fava beans to escape his attackers. There's more about there somewhere in here.

In Chaldean numerology, the name you are known by is the one that counts. In Pythagorean, it's the name you're given. I think both count equally. I do believe there's something to be said for both the numerological imprint you're given by your parents and the one you put out there for yourself in the world. Hubby legally changed his name a few years ago to what was his nickname (no, not asshat). It was the vibe he was known by and he hated his given name. He hates it so much I can barely bring myself to call others by that name.

Anyway, the other "rule" in Chaldean numerology is that no individual letter ever equals 9. I believe it's because of its nature: Whatever you add to the number 9, the result is that other number. Example:

9 + 6 = 15. 1 + 5 = 6
9 + 5 = 14. 1 + 4 = 5.
9 + 4 = 13. 1 + 3 = 4.

This works with any number.

Here's a link that describes the system and basic number meanings. Not endorsing the site, just feeling lazy and don't want to plagiarize.

I use numerology and I'm tired of people being closed-minded about it. By "people" I mean Pagans who should know better than to dismiss a perfectly valid tool without cause. Seriously, it sounds like non Pagans who dismiss astrology after reading a horoscope in a newspaper.

I don't let it rule my life, but no one should let a divination tool do that because it's just a tool. The magic 8-ball can be wrong! It's a traffic report. Just because there's a delay on the interstate doesn't mean you're going to take the side streets. At least you'll be prepared to get through the slog to your destination. But if you have the opportunity to take an alternate route and get there faster with less hassle, why not?

Each number, like each tarot card, has its positive and negative aspects. I use numerology in my work for timing, to power boost, to invoke deity, to connect with deity and to represent deity or Ancestors or whatever beings I'm working with. It's an added bonus, like working under a certain planetary hour or moon phase. It's not entirely necessary, but it helps you go with the flow of universal energy.

It's Wednesday, Mercoledì in Italian, and not only have I been inspired to dash off something about numerology tonight, but I have been challenged. I'm going to put my numbers where my... well, that saying doesn't work, but anyway, I'm going to walk this walk and create a spell with incantation that is numerologically harmonious. o0o0o0o This will be fun. I will report back when I've made some progress.

Here's my favorite number song when I was a kiddie watching Sesame Street!